We weigh up the pros and cons of choosing a childminder vs nursery. Let’s focus on your family priorities and make the best childcare choice for you.
What is the best childcare option for me?
Choosing the right childcare for your family can feel like you’re learning a whole new language. Ratios, Ofsted, the benefits of a childminder vs nursery – it’s pretty overwhelming. But when all’s said and done, the most important thing is that your choice feels right, with a supportive childcare environment that works for you, your child and your way of life.
Like any big decision, the key to making it work for you is to really focus in on your priorities, and research, research, research! Below we’ve highlighted the key difference between childminders and nurseries, but for more childcare options read our guide to childcare.
Childminder vs nursery – what’s the difference?
| Childminder | Nursery | |
| Costs | Variable according to location, but generally between £45 – £75 per day Consumables (food, nappies, wipes etc.) are not always included so it’s best to check the contract before you sign Ofsted registered which allows you to use Tax-Free childcare vouchers and access to funded childcare hours | Variable according to location, but generally between £50 – £80 per day Rates are usually all-inclusive and cover all consumables (food, nappies, wipes etc.) Ofsted registered which allows you to use Tax-Free childcare vouchers and access to funded childcare hours |
| Relationships | More individual attention for your kids, with a maximum of 4 children to 1 adult An intimate environment creates a home-from-home atmosphere and allows strong bonds to form | Ratios vary according to age, but generally sit between 4 – 6 children to 1 adult Usually a more traditional classroom setting with children grouped by age and up to 30 children per group |
| Curriculum | Smaller, mixed age groups means more opportunities to share and learn Home-based environment allows for getting outside and exploring the local parks and libraries Work within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum per government guidelines | Age-appropriate learning framework broadly based on school-style teaching strategies Classroom-style environment broken up by supervised scheduled garden time Work within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum per government guidelines |
| Oversight | Ofsted registered with inspections at least every 5 years | Ofsted registered with inspections at least every 5 years |
Koru Kids Home Nursery vs nursery
What makes Koru Kids so special? Our home nurseries are a unique childcare proposition. Why choose between a childminder vs nursery when you can essentially have the best of both?
Costs
Starting from £6.50 an hour, or £65 per day. Our rates are all-inclusive and holiday pay is already factored in. Tax-free childcare gives you up to 20% off the bill, and you could save even more if you qualify for funded childcare.
Relationships
No need to worry about staff turnover and starting again every few months with a new key worker. We offer individual attention for your child, with lower ratios maxing out at 3 children for every 1 adult. This allows for strong bonds to form, and for your child’s needs to be met and supported – moment to moment – by one trusted grown-up who cares deeply.
Curriculum
We are committed to developing the whole child, supporting their emotional wellbeing and building resilience. Our Early Educators (what we call our childminders) work to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, but we take this further by getting outdoors and exploring the local environment. One day we’ll be den-building in the local park, the next we’ll get our creative on in a nearby art gallery. Research shows that kids who get more outdoor play in their day are healthier, better behaved, and sleep better – it’s win win! One thing’s for certain – no two days are the same in our home nurseries.
Oversight
Koru Kids already has a proven track record as a trusted childcare provider. We’re now Ofsted-registered as a Childminder agency, so we don’t have to sit back and wait for Ofsted to come to us. We formally inspect our Early Educators before they start, and then every year thereafter. We stay close, advising and guiding them to maintain oversight over their day-to-day practices, which gives us the edge over Ofsted-registered childminders who may only be inspected once every 5 years.
Convinced? Find a home nursery near you.
Still have questions? Book in a call with the team!
